How do we use Pandan leaves?

Pandan leaves (Scientific Name: Pandanus) or we know it as Bai Toey Hom in Thai. It is a tropical plant that grows in Southeast-Asia.

It has a very unique smell, sweet aroma, and the Pandan leaves usually grow near water. Most Thai people have them in their back garden and if they don’t usually a neighbour will have it to swap with something you have growing in your garden. If there is nothing to swap that the neighbour needs, then quite often we would cook something using the ingredients and then give a plate back. It is very common – especially in  South Thailand, for neighbours to share like this, as in  most cases we grow pretty much everything we need in our gardens.

In Thailand, pandan leaves are used to lend a unique taste and aroma to some dishes, but mainly it is used to flavour desserts and some drinks. We also make a very beautiful garlands using Pandan leaves to use in the house or in the car to act as a natural air freshener. These work very well with mixed with the Crown Flower or other nice smelling flowers, and you see these hanging inside most cars in Thailand.

 

 

Pandan leaves have a naturally sweet taste and soft aroma.  After tasting it once, you will never forget the flavour.  Pandan leaves can also be used to wrap the foods, such as chicken or sticky rice to bring out a nice smell during your meal, and we like to make it look pretty while we eating.